Envoy honoured for boosting business for T&T

Trinidad and Tobago's ambassador to the United States, Mexico and the Organisation of American States, Dr Neil Parsan has been given an award by the African Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) in Philadelphia, United States for his commitment to promote business for Trinidad and Tobago and closer cooperation between Africa, America and Caribbean businesses.

In a statement yesterday the City of Philadelphia also recognised Parsan for his contribution to building partnerships for local and global economic development.

President of ACBC Dr Azuka Amb indicated that Parsan was selected "for his indefatigable efforts in promoting his beloved country of Trinidad and Tobago and the leadership role he continues to play in the international community within this country".

The ACBC is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit corporation which was founded in 2006 with the mission to promote and preserve the business interests of African and Caribbean business people in the Greater Philadelphia area while bridging the cultural divide between member countries and the larger community through education and the encouragement of mutual tolerance.

The release stated that Parsan was the keynote speaker and delivered an address at the function entitled "The Impact of Globalisation on African and Caribbean Economies".

Parsan said that for Caribbean countries, globalisation has been reflected in relatively increased liberalisation, market-opening policies and increased open regionalism.

He further noted that the free movement of skilled Caricom nationals was one noteworthy aspect of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Parsan also spoke about ill-effects that globalisation had brought to some of the fragile economies in the region, noting that technological advances had made communication and technical issues easier for those involved in the drug trade and have greatly enabled them to expand their market.

He said that it was therefore imperative that the Caribbean invest in advanced technology that could combat the drug trade.

Parsan also said the global demand for Africa's energy and resources had increased dramatically in recent years and as a result resource-rich countries on the continent were able to establish a primary industrial system to create the conditions for economic diversity.